Uncertain: Stakeholders are now awaiting information on how the RON95 targeted subsidy will be implemented. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Stakeholders are awaiting further details from the Finance Ministry on the implementation of the RON95 petrol targeted subsidy, which is set to benefit some 18 million Malaysians.
As a detailed announcement is expected by the end of September, they say the mechanism must not be burdensome and prolong queues at petrol pumps.
The Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) said it will engage with the Finance Ministry before making further announcements.
“PDAM welcomes the Prime Minister’s announcement to reduce the RON95 pump price to RM1.99 per litre, and we fully support the government’s commitment to easing the rakyat’s financial burden,” the association said when contacted.
“However, numerous grey areas remain concerning the implementation mechanism, as well as the operational and financial implications for petrol station dealers.
“These uncertainties require further clarification.
“We will be seeking direct engagement with the Finance Ministry to obtain detailed information.”
The Star has also learnt that the National Registration Department (NRD) is also awaiting for the Finance Ministry’s direction on how the MyKad will be used in the implementation.
However, drawing on the experience of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah, a spokesman for the department said the chip on the MyKad must be in working condition.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said on Wednesday that the price of RON95 petrol will soon be reduced to RM1.99 per litre under a targeted subsidy scheme with further details to be announced by the end of September.
Meanwhile, content executive Tan Ah Wah, 36, said the government should come up with a refuelling system that is time efficient if the MyKad is to be used as a verification tool for fuel subsidies.
“Whenever I refuel my car, I just do it right away at the credit card terminal at the petrol pump and a full tank usually takes about three minutes. With IC verification, it may take up to 20 minutes to refuel.
“An efficient time system is essential so that we do not waste time refuelling our cars,” he added.
Accountant Shakira Wong, 33, believed that using MyKad may be efficient when it comes to filtering eligible subsidy recipients but it may also prolong time at the petrol pump.
“One option would be for petrol companies to link ICs to their apps for face verification when registering.
“If still required to line-up and be verified, that’s okay too but perhaps the busier stations can set-up self-order kiosks where people can just key in their IC number.
“Most foolproof way is still going to the counter as the cashier can see if the person filling is the same as the person in the IC,” she added.
E-hailing driver Zamzuri Ali, 25, said there must be a digital system in place to avoid queues at the counter.
“It will be tedious if one needs to verify at the counter. It could result in long queues,” he said.
